Two locations near Lusk in north Co Dublin and one in Clonshaugh, about 2km from Dublin Airport, were last year earmarked by Dublin Greater Drainage for the facility. More than 10,000 residents lodged objections against the plant.

A project spokeswoman said further investigations and public consultations would be undertaken on the preferred option ahead of the planning application. "It is intended to submit an application for planning approval to An Bord Pleanala in 2014," she added.

Project engineers will reveal the preferred location to a meeting of Fingal county councillors in Swords.